Introduction:
Distinguishing between nail psoriasis vs. fungus, nail psoriasis and fungal infections of the nails can look analogous, yet they’re two separate conditions that bear different treatments. This may complicate discovering the kind of treatments to use so as to do down with it.
But being aware of the key differences can help correct this. An example would be nail fungus that will smell bad; psoriasis does not. Your nail turns yellow in the case of psoriasis, but it is a bit darker if there is fungus present. They are also caused by different things.
However, once you discover what is causing your problem, you can begin treatment. Fungicide, such as that used for fungus, and topical corticosteroid for psoriasis are some of the medications that are normally prescribed.
Nail psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common complaint that affects about 2% of the population of the United States. The exploration suggests that it’s presumably inheritable, with your genes playing a part in 70% of your risk of suffering from anxiety. UVB lamp for psoriasis can also be helpful if you have this disease.
Plaque, a thickened, scaly patch of skin that’s often red and can look silver in color Psoriasis plaques are painful or itchy. It is estimated from research that as much as 90% of people with psoriasis will develop nail psoriasis at some point. It could be their nails or fingernails, but probably their fingernails.
The key symptoms specific to nail psoriasis include:
- Crumbling nails
- Nails separating from the nail bed
- Dents appearing in your nails
- Discoloration, usually white, yellow, or brown
- A thick buildup beneath your nail
Nail fungus
Nail fungus (onychomycosis) Unlike psoriasis, the cause is from outside. It’s caused by a fungus (different from that responsible for ringworm). Dermatophytes is the most common and responsible for 90% of the toenail fungus infections and about 50% of fingernail fungus infections, but it can also be yeast or mold.
It is also associated with athlete’s bottom, a fungal infection affecting the toes and other areas of the feet. This is frequently related to wearing sweaty shoes and socks for a prolonged period.
The common symptoms of nail fungal infections are:
Discoloration (commonly yellow or brown) at the tip of your nail that eventually spreads to the rest
- A foul-smelling nail
- Crumbly, thin, or powdery nails
- A thick buildup under the nail
- Splitting nails
How to tell the difference
These questions are important because the symptoms of nail psoriasis vs. fungus are so similar, but you have already been told which disorder you have.
Where is it happening? Psoriasis: This form of nail disease tends to affect mostly your fingernails rather than toenails. If it is mostly on the toenails, then you have to consider fungus.
Does it smell? Though fungal infections can also produce an odor, psoriasis does not usually have a foul smell.
What other symptoms do I have? If you have painful skin plaques elsewhere on your body and any other signs of psoriasis, then it is more than likely nail psoriasis. A fungal foot infection is the most probably cause of itchy, cracked skin on your feet, you may have athlete’s foot if this sounds familiar.
Treatments
Before you start treating your condition, get professional medical advice to determine which of these conditions are affecting you. The treatment method will differ depending on whether you have psoriasis or a fungal infection. UVB lamp for psoriasis can easily come into your budget without spending thousands of dollars.
Nail psoriasis
Nail psoriasis symptoms will rarely clear and then curve later on. If you do have psoriasis, be careful not to damage your nails (e.g., by picking or biting them), as this will reduce the risk of developing nail symptoms; protect them with a plaster if you bang them during normal daily activities and when getting a manicure.
Treatment of nail psoriasis: commonly topical medications These are usually in the form of creams and ointments, although there are nail-specific variants such as lacquers. This may include:
- Clobetasol (Olux)
- Betamethasone (Sernivo)
- Tazarotene (Tazorac)
If topicals aren’t effective, a dermatologist may administer cortisone injections (Kenalog-10) near the nail bed.
Nail psoriasis can also be treated by phototherapy. It is a treatment where beams of light are pointed at the affected area and has been used to some benefit for nail psoriasis.
Nail fungus
A fungal infection can be treated as a topical antifungal you apply to the nail. This prevents the fungus from spreading, but you have to wait for your nail to grow out to clear completely the original fungus. Once again long-term, it takes 12–18 months for toenail and 4–6 months for fingernail.
Topical antifungals for the nails include:
- Amorolfine (Curanail)
- Ciclopirox nail lacquer (Ciclopirox)
- Tavaborole (Kerydin)
Final Words
What is the difference between nail psoriasis vs. fungus? In both cases, the nail may become discolored with a flaking and thickened texture. And yet, there can also be some crucial distinctions.
They have the same result and different causes of each. Psoriasis is internal, and it is probably genetic, while fungus we get as a result of external infection. It’s also probably the case that they influence various toenails. Psoriasis is more frequent in the fingernail, whereas fungus mostly affects toenails.
